Score, HP Offer Business Education, Matchmaking Programs To Small Firms

Business Matchmaking is a public-private partnership sponsored by SCORE and HP in cooperation with other leading corporations.

It brings together buyers from all federal agencies and many Fortune 500 companies to meet with small businesses offering various products and services. Business Matchmaking has, through regional events held all across the country and in online sessions, generated more than 50,000 one-on-one appointments resulting in more than $750 million in contracting opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Four regional Business Matchmaking events are planned for 2007: Atlanta on April 17; Chicago on August 28; Dallas during October; and Little Rock on December 11.

This past year, Business Matchmaking added an online network. This dynamic online resource offers Web-based educational tools including the Virtual Business Matchmaking Workshop, monthly Webinars featuring procurement and supplier diversity experts, access to important downloads of articles and links to helpful resources.

"Business Matchmaking has been a remarkable success and continues to help thousands of small businesses with opportunities to sell to government agencies and major corporations. We are particularly pleased at our expanding relationship with HP in serving the small business community with their outstanding technology and corporate resources," said SCORE CEO Ken Yancey. "Last year, SCORE provided expert business advice to clients through face-to-face meetings throughout the country, and we look forward to continuing to provide this vital service to America's entrepreneurs."

"As a one of the largest procurers of goods and services from small businesses as well as a company that develops technology with small businesses in mind, we see great value in our work with SCORE to foster the small business community," said John Dayan, vice president of marketing and business development – Americas, Personal Systems Group, HP.

Complete details on Business Matchmaking, including the 2007 schedule and the new online network, can be found at www.businessmatchmaking.com.

Since 1964, SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" has assisted more than 7.6 million aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through counseling and business workshops. More than 10,500 volunteer business counselors in 389 chapters serve their communities through entrepreneur education dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small businesses.

For more information about starting or operating a small business, call 1-800/634-0245.